the most useful thing in your wardrobe right now - the polo neck

Use it to layer or wear on its own – either way, a roll-neck jumper is one of the most useful things you can own

Roll necks made their most recent revival a few autumns ago, after they were done by Celiné and Stella McCartney. Layered under suit jackets or with knee-length skirts, they reintroduced a way to wear a jumper but still look chic. Unlike a lot of catwalk trends, this one really does work. Put one under a sleeveless dress and it means you can wear said dress when it’s cold. Or, wear one under a blazer for a non-iron work option. OR, with slouchy jeans to balance out proportions. If you’re considering wide-leg trousers or those pleated midi skirts that everyone’s banging on about, then I’d suggest putting a roll neck on your top half. If you are layering, they work best under things with round or V-necks. Anything sleeveless is good too, like a long-line waistcoat.

The best thing? They keep you incredibly warm without adding bulk. 

My tip would be to choose a style that’s fitted. This is particularly good if you are busty,  it’s far more flattering. I would suggest, when wearing one, to avoiding very tight trousers, which can look a bit après ski. I brought my black jersey roll neck from Atterley and can be found here - Selected Femme £25 or there is a fab one at Topshop Boutique £30 but if you are looking for colours then I suggest Uniqlo £12.90

Here's my styling tips on how to wear your polo neck.

1. Casual day time style. Wear your roll neck with jeans under a shirt, jumper or coatigan, paired with a hat you will look stylish for any autumn day.

2. Smart day to evening style. Wear your roll neck under a dress or jumpsuit to utilise it from your summer wardrobe. Add winter boots and a leather jacket or coat and your roll neck is doing all the work for you.

3. Evening style. Wear your roll neck tucked into this season's must-have; the skirt. Add thick black tights, heel's and a fur coat to keep warm and you will be the most stylish gal on the town.

How to inject the biggest colour for Autumn Winter into your wardrobe.

“Interesting on its own and a wonderful contrast for other hues, PANTONE 18-1438 Marsala is a winey red-brown that adds finesse and savoir faire. Rich and robust, Marsala incorporates the warmth and richness of a tastefully fulfilling meal, while its grounding red-brown roots point to a sophisticated, natural earthiness.”

— www.pantone.com

A new season always means a new shade to introduce into your wardrobe. Marsala, burgundy or wine has evolved from so many season's of pink being the biggest colour, that this is the next step on the spectrum. With the autumn/winter 2014/15 runways awash with burgundy pieces, I show you how to wear the hue in a variety of stylish ways, from wearing the colour all over to adding key accessories. It sits somewhere between a neutral and a statement colour and is so versatile it is a key casual wardrobe colour. Burgundy pairs well with other on-trend colours and a variety of different patterns, meaning it can easily be adapted to suit your own personal style.

Ways to wear Burgundy

• Investing in a statement overcoat in burgundy could prove particularly beneficial. Plus, with a few months left before the temperature starts to pick up again, you’ll get plenty of use out of it.
• If it’s versatility you’re after, opt for burgundy staples like jeans, jumpers, cardigans and t-shirts that can be worn with other pieces in your wardrobe.
• Wearing the colour as one outfit is a statement of style, don't be scared of mixing the shades and adding some patterned accessories to break it up.
• If you want to add extra flourish then opt for burgundy accessories. A over sized scarf, floppy hat or fringed bag will add a twist to your look. I can't wait to wear my Whistles hat I brought a couple of years ago.
• Choosing the right footwear could be paramount in pulling the look together. There are the some fab blocked healed boots around, some casual comfy trainers or like me I have updated my brogues.
• If you don't have the money to buy a piece for your wardrobe then update your beauty bag with some nail varnish or paint your lips with burgundy instead.

Check out my pinterest board for more inspiration - in brouge

1. All hues outfit

2. Trousers

3. Skirts

4. Dresses

5. Coats

6. Accessories

7. Shoes

8. Beauty

How to look stylish in the rain

Cheers Britain for literally raining on our parade!

Was it just last week that I was putting suncream on, wearing sandles and had my sunglasses permentantly attached to my face? I can't even remember what it feels like to wear shorts anymore.

So far the summer holidays have brought us wet, grey and cold temperatures, and it's not stopping anytime soon. So I ask myself, can you buy lovely waterproof jackets and still look stylish?

It's something that's been on my radar for week's now, but where do you a buy a fashionable rain jacket without spending alot of money? I am sick of wearing completely inadequate jackets and I can't bear pulling out my North Face practical waterproof as I feel like I'm going hiking up a mountain or something!

So after much internet shopping investigating (thank-you google!), I have to report that you can buy lovely, nice rainproof jackets and be both chic and dry everyday. Having purchased mine for the wet week ahead, here are my 5 of the best ...

1. Zara water resistant jacket £29.99

2. ASOS trench in bonded cloth £75.00

3. Topshop yellow plastic rain mac £55.00

4. Stutterheim Stockholm Navy raincoat £200.00

5. GAP poncho £69.95

Check out my pinterest board for more style rainwear inspiration - What to wear when it rains!

My style hero - the shirt

Q: What’s cooler than a classic cotton shirt? A: Nothing. Not one single thing.

Consider the mensy cotton button-down the sartorial bottom line. The wardrobe staple that is perhaps the most versatile piece you could ever own. Think trans-seasonal appeal, effortlessly timeless and the ability to up the cool factor of every look. Trust me, the boyish, crisp, cotton shirt is where it’s at.

For the past couple of seasons the shirt has been firmly on the fashion radar. I have been wearing shirts done up, rolled up, tucked in, over the top of pieces of clothing for a while now but wanted to update the look for next season. So I asked myself the question...

 What are the endless styling possibilities of a shirt?

Let me style the shirt into your everyday wear…

1. For a casual vibe leave the first 2 buttons undone and always roll your sleeves up with the cuff's undone. With abit of styling it can transform your whole look. By adding lots of necklaces and tucking it in, it instantly becomes a more thought-about look. Pair with denim for an instant off-duty win.

2. By doing the buttons up to the top, you are really stamping your style onto the shirt. Worn with boyfriend jeans, under dungaree's or tucked into a fab skirt, this look can see you through any formal occasion from weddings, to meeting girlfriends for lunch or important days at work.

3. Wear as a dress. Of course you need to make sure that the shirt you choose to wear covers your derrière before you leave the house! By adding a belt, big or small this gives your look some serious style and also adds shape the otherwise shapeless shirt. Add long chains, fab sandles and a clutch bag to this outfit and you can move effortlessly from daytime into an evening look.

4. Worn as a modern day beach cover-up, worn open over your bikini as an alternative to a beach kaftan. White and slightly see-through gives this classic shirt a chic update, but brightly coloured alternatives add a little sunshine to that beach wardrobe.

5. Mix it up! Wear with luxe fabrics such as sequins, silks and chiffons to dress down those fabulous statement piece's hiding in your wardrobe. Wearing this look will put you ahead of the fashion pack!

For a styling session with me, email me now for an appointment.

For more shirt inspiration, check out my pinterest board - my style hero